Sen. Griffo wants $240 million distributed to high needs districts

POTSDAM - Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome, is advocating for the redistribution of $240 million in school aid to high need districts.

As a result of their failure to file the required teachers evaluation plan by the Jan. 17 deadline, six downstate school districts forfeited their access to an increase in state aid for the 2012-2013 school year.

As a result of those schools that did not file theres $240 million I think should be redirected into education aid targeted for low wealth, high needs districts, Mr. Griffo said.

Mr. Griffo said he has picked up some support for the idea. Sen. Patricia A. Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, said she will wait to learn more details, but is open to the idea.

Assemblyman Kenneth J. Blankenbush, R-Black River, said he is in support of Mr. Griffos proposal.

But Mr. Griffo said Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo may be calculating the $240 million as a source of savings for the state.

The governor may be using this in the budget as a savings, Mr. Griffo said.

Spokesperson for the governor, Richard Azzopardi, said the money wasnt in the budget, but declined to comment on Mr. Griffos proposal.

[The governors office] can work with us now if they really care about school districts, Mr. Griffo said.

This is now in the hands of the Legislature, he said.

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